Prayer - we remember 9/11/2001

Today, we remember what happened on September 11, 2001.  I think all of us remember where we were on that day.  I was in my second year of teaching Spanish at Greenville High School in the Mississippi Delta in the city Greenville, Mississippi.  I quoted the words of this prayer back in 2013 in my homily as we remembered that day.  The words speak out to us today.  They were written by Christine Sines of Mustard Seed Associates of Seattle, Washington.  

God, so much violence, so much pain, so much heartache.

May our memories of this day remind us of the horrors of war.

As we grieve with those who still mourn,

And share memories with those who cannot forget,

May we be stirred by your love and compassion for all.

As we remember those who bravely responded,

And gave their lives to save others,

May we draw strength from their selfless sacrifice.

As we stand with strangers who became neighbors that day,

Sharing and caring for people they did not know,

We give thanks for their generosity and hospitality.

May it remind us of the call to be good Samaritans,

Reaching out across race and culture to other victims of violence.

So many in our world have lost loved ones to terrorism and war,

May their plight fill us with a longing for peace.

Let us seek for understanding and reconciling,

And not turn from your kingdom ways.

Above all God may we remember your faithfulness,

And learn to trust in your unfailing love.

Amen.